The time has come. It has been five years since the iconic third of the emo trinity, Fall Out Boy, has given the world another album. Ever since the release of “MANIA,” their fandom has been aching for something of substance, something with depth.
Fall Out Boy does not really need an explanation of who they are. There is a solid chance that someone has heard songs like “Sugar, We’re Going Down” or “Thnks fr the Mmrs” in passing. The only thing that needs to be known is that they are one of the pathfinders to the emo movement in the 2000s. Now, there is a question that must be answered:
Did they deliver?
Album’s Highs:
“Fake Out” - 8/10
It is undeniable that this record uses its backing track to its advantage. A theme throughout the record is the orchestral element, which makes this record feel like a movie soundtrack in the best way possible. “Fake Out” actually steers away from this element, and actually makes it feel like a Fall Out Boy song post-hiatus.
The main reason this track sticks out from all of the others is because of the frontman, Patrick Stump, and his vocals. He uses this song to show off his chops, showing people the massive vocal range he has; not only in this track, but in almost every song but the two interludes sprinkled throughout.
Honorable Mentions:
“The Kintsugi Kid (Ten Years)” - 7/10
“So Good Right Now” - 7.5/10
“I Am My Own Muse” - 8/10
Album’s Lows:
“Flu Game” - 5/10
Compared to its predecessors, this one does not stand out as much. It is not to say that it is necessarily bad, but it is not as special as songs such as “I Am My Own Muse” or “Heartbreak Feels So Good.” The only reason this is being said is that the two songs listed have something memorable about them, whether it be the musicality or lyrical substance.
That being said, it is still a fun song to listen to, and it is not one that is deserving to be skipped when going through this record’s run time.
Not-as-honorable Mentions:
“Love From The Other Side” - 6/10
“The Pink Seashell” - 5/10
Overview
To put it lightly, this record is a breath of fresh air compared to their 2018 release. “So Much (For) Stardust” makes its predecessor pale in comparison to the sheer musical talent of this release.
I would give this record a 7.5/10
